Selecting a
wireless carrier is just as important as picking a phone. The provider, after all,
delivers the network that makes your handset work. And since you'll probably
end up paying a healthy amount for that privilege, there's no point in sticking
with a bad user experience.

Fortunately,
CNET is here to help guide you through the decision process. Read on for the
major factors that you should consider when choosing a carrier, followed by
brief descriptions of each of the major players that CNET reviews. Also, be
sure to consult CNET's cell phone buying guide if you need help buying a phone.

1) Coverage is key

You can't do
much on your phone without a signal, so make sure that you can get coverage in
the places that you'll need it. That means looking beyond carrier slogans and
coverage maps (though the latter is a good place to start) and doing your own
research.

The best way
to gauge coverage in your area is to ask your neighbors. See which carrier they
use, and ask if they're satisfied. You even can borrow a friend's phone and use
it at home and in your workplace to see if you'll get the reception that you
need. Sure, it's a very unscientific method, but personal experience is really
the best tool.

Just remember
that no carrier network is perfect. Gaps exist, even in urban areas, and
reception can vary by your precise location. For example, a carrier's signal
may not penetrate deep into buildings and underground, and it will vary
according to how many people are using a network at a given time (think about
how hard it is to get a signal at a big public event).

Another point
to consider is whether a carrier uses GSM or CDMA. GSM (think T-Mobile and
AT&T) is the dominant global technology and is used in almost every country
around the world. So if you're a globe-trotter and want to take your phone on
your travels, make sure it supports GSM. Though strong in North America, CDMA
(think Sprint, Verizon Wireless, and most smaller carriers) is present in only
a handful of countries outside of the United States. If your phone is
CDMA-only, your international coverage will be limited. Fortunately, handsets
that support both technologies are widely available. GSM phones also are easier
to unlock, meaning that you can take them to another carrier as long as your
chosen device supports the necessary cellular bands.

2) Data speeds

Of course,
making calls is just one thing that you'll do on your phone. And if you're like
a lot of smartphone owners, it may be the last thing. That's why you also need
to carefully evaluate data networks. Data networks enable your handset to
access the Internet, send e-mails, stream music and video, and download the
apps that have become so popular.

Most U.S.
carriers in the United States are now locked in an always-evolving race to
build the largest and fastest 4G LTE data network. So just like with a
provider's voice network, data coverage and strength will vary widely by area.
If you want LTE (and really, why wouldn't you?), know where the carrier has 4G
coverage and how fast it is. And just like with calls, make sure you've tried a
carrier's data network before committing.

3) Plans

After
coverage, your service plan is the most central component of your carrier
experience. It dictates how long you have to stay with a carrier, how many
calling minutes and how much data you'll get, and the price that you'll pay
each month. Prices will largely depend on how many calling minutes and the
amount of data that you expect to use. Be sure to get what you need, but don't
overspend, either. And remember that monthly taxes and fees will add more
dollars to your final bill.

The benefit
of signing a contract is that you'll get a heavy discount on the price of your
phone. If that's not your thing, month-by-month prepaid plans bring more
freedom, but the services and available handsets may be more limited. Also,
without a subsidy that comes with a contract, you'll pay more for a handset up
front. Here again, just think carefully about what's right for you.

Pay equal
attention to the plan's terms. Though carriers now offer unlimited calling,
some providers still have plans that limit the amount of minutes that you can
use during weekdays (often called "anytime minutes"). Minutes for
nights and weekends, on the other hand, are always unlimited. Messaging brings
its own charges so be sure to explore your options. You're better off buying a
message bundle or paying for unlimited messaging than paying for each message
that you send.

Data plan
types also vary widely. Some deliver unlimited data while others restrict you
to a certain amount for each month (what we call tiered plans). Once you go
over your set data amount, you'll have to pay big fees. Alternatively, if
you're getting service for a family or group of friends, shared plans will pool
voice and data use across multiple devices. Note also that some carriers charge
extra if you want to enjoy 4G speeds.

4) Your phone

If your heart
is set on a particular phone that's available with only one carrier, then you
may have skipped the previous points entirely. But if you've yet to decide
which handset you should buy (again, see CNET's cell phone buying guide for
more help with that process), don't assume that each carrier's device lineup is
the same. Selection varies widely, so it pays to think about which kind of
phone you'd like and which carrier(s) offer it.

A welcome
trend over the last year is that popular devices like the iPhone 5 and the
Samsung Galaxy S3 now land at multiple providers. That may help make your
decisions easier, but keep in mind that even on these common phones you can
have a vastly different customer experience depending on your carrier choice.

5) Customer service

Unfortunately,
there's no way to predict this. For everyone who has a horror story with a
provider, there probably are almost as many people who have had no problem.
Also, though consumer studies singing the praises of different carriers
continue to get headlines, there are no guarantees. So all you can do is make
your choice, hope for the best, and be your own advocate if you aren't pleased.